Michael has over 25 years of parliamentary experience, with more than 12 years in the Executive.

He was first elected as a Labor Member for Franklin in 1979 and served until losing his seat in the 1986 state election.

Michael regained his seat in 1989 and served as the Minister for Environment and Planning and Minister for Employment, Industrial Relations and Training. He also assisted the Premier in youth affairs.

In 1991 he was appointed Minister for Education and Training, which he held until the 1992 defeat of the Labor Government.

In 1995, Michael was elected to the Legislative Council and, following the 1998 election, became Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.

Following the State Election in March 2010 Michael was appointed Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure.

 Michael Aird is passionate about securing a positive long-term future for Tasmania and Tasmanians.

As Treasurer and Minister for Industry, Michael believes that a strong economic and financial foundation is essential to providing jobs to Tasmanians and services to the community as a whole.

“The strong economic and financial foundation this Government has created also enables me to help create a more competitive business environment, promote and attract investment and help individuals, businesses and industries to grow and become internationally competitive.

“I am committed to continuing the Government’s strong record of economic and financial leadership, while providing funding for vital services such as our schools, hospitals, housing, support for the disadvantaged and services which keep our communities safe,” he said.

“It is vital that we continue to achieve an appropriate balance between these important objectives.”

Michael brings a wealth of experience to the positions of Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Racing. He has managed a community organisation providing support for people with disabilities, managed a small retail business, established and run his own small business and been closely involved with many community organisations including spending a number of years as President of the New Norfolk Football Club.

Michael was first elected to the Tasmanian Parliament in 1979 and in the 28 years since then has experienced the highs and lows of political life. Michael has served as Minister for Environment and Planning, Minister for Employment, Industrial Relations and Training, Minister for Education, Minister for Industry and Training and Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.

“I am a policy-driven Member of Parliament with a close interest in a wide range of social and economic issues,” he said.

Michael’s commitment to a positive and vibrant long-term future for Tasmania has been particularly evident in his Chairmanship of Tasmania Together Community Leaders Group which developed the original Tasmania Together Plan. As Treasurer, Michael initiated the establishment of the Tasmanian Demographic Change Advisory Council and has championed the reform of Tasmania’s Water and Sewerage sector.

“It is essential that the Government works closely with all community stakeholders to resolve long-term challenges and make sure that we take the exciting opportunities which are now before us and which will continue to arise,” he said.

Michael is the father of two children and a great believer in the social justice principles of access, equity, participation and equality as well as the importance of education and the strength of our communities.